Saint Mary Magdalene Feast and Palio della Maddalena

The patronal feast of Capranica Prenestina

On July 22nd, Capranica Prenestina honors its patron saint, Saint Mary Magdalene, with the most cherished celebration of the year. Perched on a hill in the Prenestini Mountains at an altitude of over 900 meters, the village is one of the highest municipalities in the Metropolitan City of Rome, in the Lazio region. For the occasion, the town gathers around its church and historic center in a celebration that weaves together religious devotion and local identity.

The new Palio della Maddalena

Starting in 2026, the tradition is enriched by the Palio della Maddalena, promoted by the Palio della Maddalena APS Association and officially presented on July 22, 2026, in Piazza Pietro Baccelli. The goal is to strengthen ties between local communities through a team competition and a rich program of popular and folkloric events, intended to be repeated every year.

• Tug-of-war between teams from neighboring villages: Paliano, Zagarolo, Palestrina, and Castel Madama;
• Flag-wavers of the Rioni of Cori, with over sixty years of tradition;
• Historical pageant in costume and moments of conviviality;
• Folk music with accordion players and traditional stornelli songs, along with local food and wine specialties.

A map of the four districts is displayed in the square, allowing visitors to choose the team they wish to join for the following year's edition.

Sacred music and devotion

The religious heart of the feast remains the solemn Mass in honor of the patron saint, accompanied by choral singing and followed by a procession through the village streets. During the feast days, there is also space for the great polyphonic tradition: concerts dedicated to Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, the "Prince of Music" born in nearby Palestrina, performed by choirs such as the Corale Lorenzo Perosi of Cave and the Una Vox ensemble.

The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

The focal point of the celebrations is the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, a jewel of the village. The bell tower dates back to the early 15th century, commissioned by Pope Martin V, while the church was rebuilt in 1520 by Giuliano Capranica. Its dome, a double-shell structure with an elegant arched loggia, is considered by scholars to be one of the most precious examples of 16th-century Roman architecture, inspired by Bramante. Inside, it preserves 18th-century stuccoes, frescoes from 1751, and a holy water stoup carved from a white marble lion attributed to Michelangelo.

A village to discover

Experiencing the feast in Capranica Prenestina means discovering one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy: medieval alleys, panoramic views over the valley, and fresh mountain air just a few kilometers from Rome. The Saint Mary Magdalene Feast is the perfect opportunity to experience the authentic hospitality of the local community and its traditions.